KTT Purple Click vs. TTC Silent Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in conversations are the KTT Purple Click and the TTC Silent Brown. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, they differ in key aspects. The Purple Click is known for its high-pitched, satisfying click, providing a crunchy and invigorating feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a rounded tactile bump, providing a buttery and polished typing experience without the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches strike a balance between tactile feedback and light keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.

By the numbers

KTT Purple Click Clicky

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Purple Click and the TTC Silent Brown have similar housing materials, with both utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced aesthetics, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal when using either switch.

However, the main differentiating factor lies in their bottom housings. The Purple Click employs nylon, while the Silent Brown also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Purple Click potentially offering a slightly deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent Brown.

When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switch, the bottom housing plays a more significant role. Pressing down on the switch will allow users to feel and experience the qualities of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has more impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings differ between the Purple Click and Silent Brown, the overall typing experience and sound profile will be influenced by both housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences to consider. The Purple Click has a lighter actuation force, requiring 40 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams. Both switches have a similar medium-light actuation force, ensuring a responsive typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Brown is heavier, requiring 63.5 grams of force compared to the Purple Click's 55 grams. This means that the Silent Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Purple Click's lighter bottom out force may be favored by individuals who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. Overall, both switches offer different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it can be observed that the Purple Click has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4 mm being the more common option. However, the difference of 0.2 mm might be noticeable to some users. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Silent Brown a potentially better choice for them. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper key press might find the longer travel distance of the Purple Click more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific use case.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Purple Click switch is best described as crunchy and resonant. The clicky nature of these switches produces a satisfying high-pitched sound that is reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and immersive. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as muted. These switches have a much softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. They minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a more understated typing experience. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Purple Click switch offers an invigorating and stepped typing experience. The pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and snappy feel create an immersive sensation for typists. Additionally, these switches have a stepped design, providing a more mild tactile feel. This means that users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding an extra layer of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristics of the Silent Brown switches make them approachable to most users, as they offer a safe middle-ground typing experience. The polished finish of these switches reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a satisfyingly high-pitched click sound and an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced feedback and stepped design. The TTC Silent Brown switch, on the other hand, provides a muted sound profile and a smooth, effortless typing sensation with its buttery and polished characteristics. While the two switches differ in sound and feel, both options offer desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on personal preferences, typists can choose between the bold and crunchy experience of the Purple Click switch or the more subdued and smooth experience of the Silent Brown switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a distinct and satisfying click sound, the KTT Purple Click clicky switch is a great choice. With its medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a light keystroke experience while still providing pronounced tactility. The high-pitched click sound of the Purple Click switch adds an immersive auditory experience to your typing sessions. Moreover, if you enjoy the invigorating feel of a switch with moderate to firm actuation force and snappy feedback, the Purple Click will certainly deliver. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Silent Brown offers a light-medium level of resistance and a pleasant rounded tactile bump. The muted sound profile of these switches minimizes the noise commonly associated with mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for shared workspaces or quiet environments. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch provides a buttery and polished typing experience with its smooth and refined finish, resulting in a seamless and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Purple Click and TTC Silent Brown switches depends on your preference for sound and feel, with the Purple Click offering an invigorating and resonant experience, and the Silent Brown providing a muted and polished one.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more